Record extended-length voice or high-quality audio in three quality levels direct to MP3.

Marantz puts the world of professional field recording within easy reach with the PMD620, a rugged yet lightweight digital recorder that doesn't skimp on features or performance. The PMD620 fits comfortably in the palm of the hand and houses two high-quality electret condenser microphones and a monitor speaker, making it ideal for go-anywhere field recording application, such as interviews, podcasting, and meeting recording--even live music.

A true handheld, the PMD620 features an intuitive layout and tactile buttons for easy one-hand operation, while a high-contrast organic LED (OLED) screen makes setup a cinch under any lighting conditions. Just hit the Menu/Store button and the interface quickly walks you through the choices to ensure optimal recording for your needs.

The PMD620 uses convenient SD/SDHC cards, the most stable and commonly available type of flash media. Audio can be recorded either as uncompressed WAV files or any of three quality levels of MP3, in mono or stereo. So whether it's capturing an interview, a lengthy board meeting, or a band's jam session, the PMD620 is always ready for action.

The PMD620 shines in post-production as well. Journalists and podcasters will especially appreciate its non-destructive on-board editing. Transcription is a breeze with its Skip Back function, and file transfers to any computer are drag-and-drop simple with the USB 2.0 connectivity. In short, the PMD620 combines ease of operation, professional recording quality and insightful features in a compact, ergonomic design.

A True Handheld with Ergonomic Form FactorAt 2-1/2" x 4" x 1" and weighing under 6 ounces, the PMD620 slips easily into a pocket and fits comfortably in the palm of the hand, with oversized, tactile buttons that are laid out for intuitive, one-hand operation, from recording to playback. The high contrast OLED screen provides at-a-glance status of all critical functions, even offering a large font option. Integral high-quality electret condenser microphones pick up the action, while LED tell-tales track Peak and Level conditions.

Professional Digital RecordingThe PMD620 can record uncompressed WAV files for high fidelity stereo music, or lower-resolution mono MP3 files to maximize record time. For WAV files, choose from 16- or 24-bit linear PCM recording at either 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates. Podcasters will appreciate having a total of six MP3 bit rates available, ranging from 192 kbps stereo down to 32 kbps mono. And, the menu selectable Auto-Input feature detects whether the line input or external mic input is being used, switching off the dual integrated mics automatically.

Stability and PortabilityThe PMD620 is a true handheld, light in weight, yet ruggedly constructed. The use of SD cards as a recording medium provides the ultimate in space efficiency and stability, with no practical limit on file size. Two AA batteries, either alkaline or NiMH rechargeables, provide upward of five hours of operation.

On-board Editing and Playback FeaturesThe PMD620 makes field production amazingly easy. Use the integrated speaker or mini-plug headphones to monitor or transcribe. The Copy Segment function extracts a piece of audio as a separate file while keeping the original intact, while the Skip Back feature acts as a preset "back up and replay" function, programmable for audio jumps of up to 59 seconds at the touch of a button.

Connectivity and HardwareDespite its compact, slender profile, the PMD620 offers a full array of 1/8-inch stereo connectivity, including both line and mic inputs, a Line Out for playback, and a headphone jack for monitoring. A pair of convenient Up/Down buttons allows adjustment of input sensitivity, while the USB 2.0 port makes file transfers to any computer a breeze. Once connected, the PMD620 appears as a device on your PC desktop, with all files contained in a master folder. Just drag and drop any or all of them onto your desktop.

The PMD620 comes complete with SD card, audio and USB cables, AC adapter and more--everything needed to step into the world of high-resolution field recording.

I researched and reviewed many similar recorders before and since purchasing the Marantz PMD620, and am confident I made the right choice. It has several features that others do not and they have worked out better than I even expected. I particularly like the mono feature (many don't have this), and really like the Auto track feature. You can set it to make a new track at pre-set intervals. I use the unit to record professional courses I teach to live audiences, then edit them and sell them on CDs as continuing education. This feature reduces the amount of editing I have to do to break up long stretches of time and has made this the best unit for me. And I didn't even know it had this feature, as Marantz and reviewers don't mention it. I can also make a new track quickly and easily by pressing the Record button, anytime I chose. This also makes editing much easier and quicker.The 3 different preset setting capability is terrific, as is the one touch recording, the super clear display, and the numerous attenuation possibilities. Only one wish is that the record volume were a wheel or dial, rather that a button.The sound is great, sometimes too great, very sensitive mikes. And the sound has been very clean with external mikes. It would help a lot if they made the USB port a 2.0, as downloading through this is ridiculously slow. Using a SD card adaptor is MUCH faster, but requires taking the card in and out of that card slot with the flimsy door that I am very worried about breaking. The unit will not work if the door is not closed.Compared to the other units in this price range, this is definitely the best. And the support at Marantz is fantastic. I have called them a few times and they have been available, quick and terrificly knowledgeable. I also own an Olympus LS-10 and when I called them with a question, they opened the catalog and read something to me, and it wasn't even related to the question, and otherwise knew nothing. The LS-10 is also very nice. I love the feel of it, but it is lacking several features that the PMD620 has, and it has turned out that this makes the 620 significantly better for me, and the LS-10 has become just a back up. I highly recommend this unit.

I have a couple of recorders in this general class, and this one is the most solidly built. I like the OLED display, the fact that it uses AA cells which are dirt cheap at discount warehouses, and the record presets make it easy to save different parameters and recall them quickly.